A new community theatre project will be holding auditions for its first show in Waltham Abbey next week.

The theatre project, Epping Forest Community Theatre, is run by Epping Forest District Council who work with not-for-profit organisation The Red Baloon Family to provide children with access to theatre training and help produce shows.

Around 60 children from across the district have already been taking part in the community theatre groups since September 2013.

Now a new group, targeted at 7-14 year olds, has been launched in Waltham Abbey to perform the show 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'.

Luke Lowrie, one of the Directors of the Red Balloon Family, said: “Joseph is such a well-known show we know the children will have a fantastic time, but also build up skills like confidence, self-esteem and teamwork that will make a difference to every area of their lives.

Over 600 people went to see the community theatre’s production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in March, which included children from the Loughton and Debden based groups.

Auditions will be held for the new Waltham Abbey Youth Theatre on Thursday 8th May between 4:30 and 6:30pm at Lea Valley Church.